Runners love a cheering crowd. It thrills us when others cry out full throated their support of what for most of us is a passion. So, line the route of the Rock'n'Roll San Antonio Marathon and cheer as if you were at a Spurs game. Here's where to go.
When Elite Racing's Rock'n'Roll race took the place of the old Marathon of the Americas last year, there were many who stood skeptical of what could be accomplished by the out-of-towners. Now, a year later, we know that Elite Racing brings a quality event to the Alamo City. Over 25 thousand runners stood at the starting line last year and this year promises even more! Just as impressive was the buzz which came with this event. San Antonio should be proud of itself for coming out and cheering the runners. Thanks also to the thousands of visitors, friends and family of runners who come from every state in the union and 30-something countries around the globe. The gallery last year was much, much larger that any I saw in my previous three runnings of the San Antonio Marathon. I am sure we will be met this year by crowds just as enthusiastic. Thank you San Antonio and to all the friends of this Sunday's racers.
Where to cheer? The starting line is impressive, for here you can feel the energy of 31 thousand runners buzzing before their take off. The sight of all those runners, curb to curb as far is the eye can see is something you won't forget. But if you choose the starting line as your viewing post, make your plans carefully for getting there. The location, on Broadway just south of Post Street, will present you with a challenge, maybe even a logistical nightmare. Please take a look at the street closures in order to understand the potential difficulties of getting to the race staging area. In fact, have a plan for getting anywhere along the race route. (Officially, race organizers encourage the public to avoid the starting area.)
Last year there was a nice and noisy crowd around the Alamo. You'll need to be there before 7:40 if you want to see the elite runners dash past. Then it will be a constant stream of runners of all sizes and all ages for about the next hour. This is a very long parade, indeed.
San Pedro Park is also a good place to gather for race watching. It's scenic, it's relatively easy to get there, and this is a good place to infuse the runners with a much needed boost for the long miles which loom ahead. Cheer loudly and often.
I was particularly thankful for the fans who gathered last year near Durango and St. Marys. This is a last refuge from sun and wind for the runners and your cheering will give a great boost to morale. The heart of the race begins here for the marathoners. The half marathoners are now over half way to the finish but their tanks are in some cases running low. Your support means a lot to them.
The race route makes a loop through the King William area, making this another interesting place for viewing the runners. Probably even better is around Durango and Alamo for here begins a stretch where the runners will pass twice, going south and then back north. Here you will see the contrast of runners with legs still relatively fresh at mile 11 with runners who have "hit the wall" at 20 miles and are into the final miles of the struggle to the finish line. This gives you a taste of the challenge these runners are facing and you will surely be impressed by the courage and determination exhibited here.
Some more good race watching is along the San Antonio River near S.E Military Dr. and Mission Rd., or where Southcross crosses the river. Finally, there is the finish line. If you have friends or family running the race, I can guarantee they will be happy to see you. Yes, they will be dog tired, but lend them a solid shoulder to lean on and a hearty congratulations and you'll ever after be a member of their team.
Cheer loudly, cheer everyone, and be prepared to be amazed. Thank you for supporting the runners.
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